TikTok ’Eco-Influencers’ Spread Misinformation on Child Health, Study Finds
DENVER – A growing number of TikTok personalities promoting “eco-pleasant” products are simultaneously disseminating inaccurate and potentially harmful health advice for children, according to research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition, September 26-30. The study highlights a concerning trend of unqualified individuals leveraging social media influence to offer medical guidance, often blurring the lines between enduring living and evidence-based pediatric care.
Researchers found these “eco-influencers” frequently promote unproven remedies, questionable dietary recommendations, and unsupported claims regarding child development, capitalizing on parental anxieties about environmental toxins and product safety. This misinformation poses a notable risk to children’s well-being, potentially leading families to forgo or delay necessary medical attention, or adopt practices detrimental to their children’s health. The rise of this phenomenon demands increased scrutiny of health claims made on social media and a renewed emphasis on reliable sources of pediatric facts.
The research team, led by Maria Alejandra Canas-Galvis, investigated the content shared by prominent TikTok accounts focused on eco-conscious parenting. Their analysis revealed a pattern of influencers offering advice on topics ranging from infant feeding and sleep training to treatment of common childhood illnesses, often without disclosing any medical qualifications.
“These influencers are building trust with parents by presenting themselves as authorities on natural and sustainable living,” Canas-Galvis and colleagues reported. “However, their recommendations are often not aligned with established pediatric guidelines and can be actively harmful.”
The study authors noted no relevant financial disclosures. Further research is planned to assess the scope of the problem and develop strategies to counter the spread of misinformation on social media platforms.
